'Offaly' big and bold predictions for 2018

From the GAA pitch to the White House lawn...

Reporter:

Justin Kelly

5 Dec 2017

Email:

justin.kelly@iconicnews.ie

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'Offaly' big and bold predictions for 2018

Shane Lowry to win a major...

The Clara man finished 2017 very strongly as he returned to form following a poor start to the season. In fairness, Lowry has got married and welcomed his first daughter to the world in recent years, but after a slight disruption to his game, he seems back on track. He went close to major success when finishing second at the US Open in 2016, and with a clear run of tournaments in 2018, he could be back on the hunt again.

The Pope to visit Offaly...

Pope Francis will touch down in Offaly in 2018 and a formal invitation is being prepared for the pontiff to visit Offaly, namely the monastic site at Clonmacnoise. During the last Papal visit, John Paul made the trip to the site, and hopes are high that Francis will follow in his footsteps. We reckon it there is a strong possibility and we have the red carpet unfurling in the store room as we speak.

Trump to be impeached...

In matters away from Offaly, barring any last minute discovery of Faithful roots, we think the time is up for US President Donald Trump. With the ongoing Russia links, gaff after gaff and a series of controversial policies like the Muslim travel ban, Donald will spend much of 2018 on the back foot. Our money is on him finally tripping over himself and out of the Oval office.

Ferbane to win the Dowling Cup...

This is something that appears to be coming down the tracks at a rate of knots considering the wealth of underage talent in Ferbane. Some might argue that a Dowling is a few years away yet but Ferbane have proven in recent years that they have the quality and experience to compete and with more U21 and Minor stars making the breakthrough, they could well get over the line, much like Edenderry in 2011 with a team of kids.

Mayo finally get over the line with an All-Ireland...

They've waited since 1951, they've been to final after final, and experienced absolute hardship in the intervening 66 years, but perhaps Mayo can still unshackle themselves from the infamous curse. They once again ran Dublin close in 2017 and with the Dubs steamrolling all before them, perhaps 2018 is the year they get complacent enough to allow Mayo in. They can't go on winning forever, and with each defeat, surely Mayo's hunger grows stronger still. #MayoforSam

Laois/Offaly Election counting to take longer than any other...

Although a General Election was avoided in late 2017 after Frances Fitzgerald resigned from Cabinet, everything still points towards a 2018 election. After a brief stint away from our neighbours, legislation expected to pass through the Dáil will reunite us as the Laois/Offaly constituency once more. The count centres will be heaving with hopefuls and supporters, and long after they're gone, we'll still be counting. Numbers are hard, lads!

Conor McGregor to retire (again)...

McGregor gazumped the MMA world by winning two belts at two different weight classes, he danced around the ring with Floyd Mayweather for $100 million, and now he has the world at his feet. UFC boss Dana White has said Conor may never fight again, although a 2018 return is in the pipeline. Whether or not he does fight in 2018, we reckon this will be his last year in the octagon. Why bother getting thumped in the face when you have hundreds of millions in the bank?

Obama to announce a return to Moneygall...

They'll be dusting down the statue of him in Supermacs for months in anticipation. We are putting this out more in hope than expectation but with the dust settling on his presidency and himself and Michelle at a loose end, why not land the helicopter on the GAA pitch in Moneygall and head to Ollie Hayes' pub for a few pints? It's not beyond the realms of possibility that he'll return, and he'll be welcomed with open arms.

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